After much speculations and deliberations, Jose Mourinho returns to English football for the third time, only this time in a red shirt instead of the familiar blue one we are used to.
He brings competition, winning mentality, comedy, box office interviews and if you go by what he has done everywhere he has been, he brings lots of titles again.
95 Points – The Most Points ever won in the Premiership by any team in a single season.
29 Games – The Most Games ever won in a Premiership season by any team
15 Goals Conceded – The Least number of goals ever by any Premiership team in a season
77 Games Unbeaten – Longest unbeaten run at home by any Premiership manager
100 Points – Most Points ever won in the Laliga in Spain by any team in one season.
121 Goals – Most Goals scored in any Laliga season by any team.
Jose has come with a lot of records that any manager will be happy to finish their career with, but he is not finished yet, he is still hungry for more titles and where else to satisfy that hunger except at the Theatre of Dreams.
8 league titles in England, Spain, Italy and Portugal
2 Champions League titles
1 Uefa Cup
4 Football Association Cups in England, Italy, Spain and Portugal
3 League Cups in England
4 Super Cups in England, Spain, Italy and Portugal
Without taking other 33 individual accolades from FIFA, FA and other Football Associations, United have a fantastic bargain.
There is a saying that I often heard as I was growing up; ‘one man’s food is another man’s poison’
As he exited Stamford Bridge amidst a lot of controversy and endless debates, Manchester United have hooked up with one of the best managers the game has ever seen.
Perhaps because United have a culture of dominance and an abundance of trophies, Mourinho is walking into an institution that he would give the respect they deserve.
Perhaps because he is at an institution that has so many winners who would not hesitate to speak out if he is refuses to toe the line, he may just be compelled to avoid the landmines laid out by the press. Above all, he has Sir Alex Ferguson and Sir Bobby Charlton in the Headmaster’s corner.
United simply had to go for him, before the glory days became a tale that was once upon a time in Manchester and before power finally shifted from Old Trafford to Etihad for good.
As Jose renews his rivalry with Pep Guardiola, what I know would happen to United next season is that teams would once again dread making the trip to Old Trafford.
As Jose sets out his stall at Carrington, United players would acquire the confidence and belief that comes from working with a great manager with a winning mentality.
The fans? Expect fireworks on the pitch, in the news and during press conferences.
The board? Start selling tickets for box office interviews, and perhaps, get ready to start filling the trophy cabinet again.
Who would Jose bring in? I hope he allows the young players to flourish and throw a few experienced winners into the mix and if he can avoid the traps laid for him by the press, I think it would be successful years ahead for Jose. I can’t wait for the music to start playing.
ZIDANE JOINS THE ELITE MANAGERS AFTER ONLY FIVE MONTHS IN CHARGE
What would Rafa Benitez be thinking as he watched the Champions League final, relishing the prospect of away trips to Sheffield, Derby, Cardiff, Leeds and Wolverhampton?
As Zizou walked along the aisle, leading his players to receive the Big Ears, he strolled nonchalantly towards the dignitaries and towards the cup in the classic Zizou style.
No frills, no theatre, just the casual business as usual style he demonstrated even while playing.
Even when his team came under severe pressure against Atletico – and they did for long periods at San Siro yesterday – Zizou remained calm and kept encouraging his players, cheerleading, coaching, managing and re-assuring his boys. No player wishes for anything other than that, while Simeone concentrated on his fans, Zizou’s gaze was on his eleven players.
When the game changed, his players became lost on the pitch and he had little comeback for Simeone’s tactical adjustments, but as his players continued to respond to his direction from the touchlines – sit deep, retreat and recover quickly into your positions (Even Ronaldo and Bale did) – the game became increasingly difficult for Atletico to win.
If it was another coach, he may have been accused of being too defensive (and he was, as Atletico enjoyed 54% possession, a feat they have not achieved against any big team this season, against Bayern it was less than 30%) but we all love Zizou and with what he has previously given to football, he would be celebrated and forgiven for the second half.
Madrid needed energy to cross the line and just looking at Zidane on the touchline, playing the game with them and hugging the coaching zone and not his seat, barking more instructions and encouraging them to dig deep, Madrid received the tonic needed from the ‘fussball kunsler’ and they crossed the line first, against a determined Atletico team.
He is gracious and he has obviously learned from Ancelloti and Mourinho in his time at Madrid.
He joins the new generation of young, energetic and successful managers, Guardiola, Enrique, Mourinho who have won the UEFA Champions League at the first attempt.
Congratulations Zizou, congratulations Real Madrid on number eleven, I hope he is given time to build on his first five months and not fall foul of Mr Perez and the board.